4. Complex Sentences

4.1. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence joins one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.
It uses subordinating conjunctions like because, although, if, since, or while.

4.2. Cause and Effect Conjunctions in Science

Scientists use specific words to link a cause to an effect.
Using these creates β€œComplex Sentences” that provide deeper explanations.

1. Pre-Conjunctions (Introducing the Cause)

  • as: The reaction sped up as the temperature increased.

  • because: The plant wilted because the vacuoles lost water pressure.

  • since: Since the oceanic plate is denser, it subducts into the mantle.

  • inasmuch as: The experiment was a fair test inasmuch as all variables were controlled.

  • for: The substance is an acid, for it turned the universal indicator red.

  • seeing that: Seeing that the circuit is broken, the bulb will not light up.

2. Result-Focused (Introducing the Effect)

  • so that: We polished the metal so that the surface was free of oxide.

  • in order that: Data was recorded every minute in order that a precise graph could be drawn.

  • such that: The earthquake was located such that the seismic waves reached three stations.

  • to the end that: The sample was sealed to the end that no moisture could enter.

3. Condition-Based (Conditional Cause & Effect)

  • if: The gas will expand if the pressure is reduced.

  • unless: The object will stay still unless an external force acts upon it.

  • provided that: The seeds will germinate provided that they have enough warmth and water.

  • as long as: The reaction continues as long as there is fuel available.

  • only if: A shadow forms only if an opaque object blocks the light.

4. Transition Words (Conjunctive Adverbs) Note: These usually link two separate sentences.

  • Therefore: The metal is a good conductor; therefore, it is used in wiring.

  • Consequently: The ice caps are melting; consequently, sea levels are rising.

  • As a result: The rock was cooled quickly. As a result, it formed small crystals.

  • Hence: The data was inconsistent; hence, the hypothesis was rejected.

  • Thus: The force was doubled, thus doubling the acceleration.